Umsonst ist nur der Tod

This is one of those drama/thrillers that gradually reveal the true essence of the characters through a well developed storyline. The acting and dialogue is highly credible, its certainly not 'off the cuff', relaxed acting, it's more thoughtful and diplomatic, which may give some viewers the imression of 'wooden' acting. If you're the type of person who thinks before you speak you'll find this dialogue VERY believable. I found the whole story really intriguing, especially the ending. You might compare the antagonist to something like Fatal Attraction in terms of general psychosis,, although it's more a tale of revenge. If you liked Misery then you may like this-it's not flashy, its not big budget but it's clever and it's real. I had a much better time watching this then some of those billion-dollar blockbusters I had to painfully sit through!

The script of "One Good Turn" gives the actors little to work with. It features standard characters, plot holes the size of craters and pacing inconsistent enough to make it tough to buy the sense of peril.

Despite this, James Remar manages to make his role multi-layered and worthy of bit of sympathy. In the moments where his character is doing something evil, he has a concentrated focus that is neither evil nor sane. Instead, he slowly draws his madness and revenge towards the conclusion that is inevitable but somehow unexpected. The script lets him down by relying on a hackneyed flashback technique. But his final moment is infused with a resignation and sensitivity that this type of film usually can't achieve.

Wath One Good Turn for Remar and ignore the script.

ONE GOOD TURN (1996)

BASIC PLOT: Matt Forrest has everything going for him, a successful career, a beautiful wife, and plans to have a child soon. But after running into a ghost from his past, he feels he doesn't deserve any of it.

In 1983, fellow soldier Simon Jury saved Matt (Lenny von Dohlen) from a car bomb in Panama. Matt has always regretted not thanking Simon for his actions. So, after a chance meeting, Matt tracks Simon (James Remar) down to thank him properly. Matt is disturbed by Simon's hand to mouth existence. He wants to help him in any way he can, so he finds Simon a low level job with his company.

WHAT WORKS: *The principal actors are all above average, so even when a line doesn't work, it's forgivable. Suzy Amis and James Remar are stand outs here, and give stellar performances. John Savage, as Santapietro, the crazy private detective, also deserves an honorable mention.

*Visual metaphors are used as successful foreshadowing. A dinner scene shows Simon with his elbows on the table, guarding his food in a way common to those who have served time. A few scenes later, we learn he has been in prison.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *Some of the motivations are a bit clunky. Matt Forrest (Lenny von Dohlen) is a bit too tortured, and a bit too blind. Laura Forrest (Suzy Amis) gets angry her husband never told her about this incident, and even more angry he never told her there was a woman in the car with him when it happened. Why? They weren't together then, it was 13 years ago, so why (other than women hate secrets), is she so angry?

*The 'dope' Simon and Brent (Michael Kopelow) smoke is laughable. The prop guy needs some help with that one.

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *We've all been here before, the mysterious stranger with ulterior motives, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun ride. I would recommend this movie to fans of suspenseful thrillers.

CLOSING NOTES: *I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.

I liked the directing style, the tension and suspense and the lighting and soundtrack.

Though the actual characters could be replaced with other actors...the essence of a no name actor is what propels this movie.

This could and should never be a Brad Pitt/Tom Cruise/Mel Gibson movie as it would never work.

James Remar holds this together as far as lead performances and it tends to drag in some areas and then confuse in others...but the tension...especially at the bedroom scene and the train scene is what builds this entire film into a flick that is capable of holding an audience.

A short rewrite may have made this into an exceptional movie, because the theme and dark elements that construct this movie are built to a nice flow.

You probably would not have any idea what I'm stating here...but watch it from the view as a director, writer and camera man as well as sound technician and you will see that the sound, lighting, camera movement and underlying theme is just blow away material.

That's the truth and I'm sticking to it.

I look forward to working with this director and producer.

It might not have the style of say, Cape Fear but it's as entertaining. As a 90s thriller fan especially but also a directing student and filmmaker myself, this film thoroughly impressed me. The script is very well written and it is extremely well directed - there is not a false note in the thing. The leads are all excellent, the score is great, the camera choices and sets are great and the script is just the right mix of unpredictable yet satisfying - you know you're watching a sociopath thriller and you get that but it unfolds in ways you don't see coming. It's depressing this movie isn't better known but what can you do?